BOSTON, Mass. (March 12, 2012) – Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced Monday that Coke Zero, the leader in zero-calorie soft drinks, has been named an official league sponsor for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. As part of the new relationship, Coke Zero becomes the title sponsor of all 14 nationally televised CBS Sports Network games.

“The Coca-Cola family of products are amongst the most globally recognized brands and having Coke Zero as a partner fits perfectly with the MLL fan base. We couldn’t be more excited to have them on board,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross.

“Coke Zero is part of an iconic brand that everyone in the world knows,” said MLL Founder Jake Steinfeld. “I’ve had an amazing relationship with the Coca-Cola family of products over the years and I’m pumped that they are now part of the MLL in such a big way. There are a handful of brands that really legitimize a sport and Coca-Cola is obviously one of them.”

“We are pleased that Coke Zero will now be a part of the MLL family,” said William White, Group Brand Director, Coca-Cola Zero. “Coke Zero is liquid proof that you can have it all – great Coca-Cola taste with zero calories. We look forward to helping lacrosse fans across the nation enjoy everything a little bit more.”

Under terms of the agreement, Coke Zero will become the title sponsor of each game televised on CBS Sports Network, which will be named the “Coke Zero MLL Game of the Week.” Coke Zero will also become the associate sponsor of special events including the MLL All-Star Game, to be played in Palm Beach County, FL on Saturday June 30, and the MLL Championship Weekend, to be played on August 25 and 26 at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Mass.

As part of the sponsorship, the Coke Zero logo will be prominently displayed on the expansion Charlotte Hounds’ team uniform, including the lower back, the left shoulder, and game shorts. Coke Zero will also receive commercial units, in-game features and billboards during the 2012 MLL season.

MLL and Coke Zero will work together to create both national and grassroots activation programs specifically designed to grow the sport of lacrosse. Coke Zero delivers the great taste of ‘Coca-Cola’, with zero sugar. Launched in June 2006, ‘Coke Zero’ offers those who love the taste of classic ‘Coca-Cola’ a new way to enjoy their favorite brand, without the calories. For more information, visit www.coca-colazero.com.